3 hours ago
1
Sarah Michelle Gellar may be reprising her role as Buffy Summers (Image: Getty Images)
The much-loved supernatural series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, concluded its highly successful seven-season run over two decades ago. However, fans will be thrilled to learn that plans are afoot for a grand revival of the franchise.
According to Deadline, sources have revealed that a follow up series is on the brink of receiving a pilot order from streaming behemoth Hulu, with original Buffy star, Sarah Michelle Gellar, anticipated to return to her iconic role.
Self-confessed Buffy enthusiast and Oscar winner, Chloé Zhao, is set to direct the pilot, while Nora and Lilla Zuckerman (known for Poker Face) will pen the screenplay.
The reboot hails from 20th Television, the studio responsible for the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Walt Disney Studio's Searchlight TV, where Chloé has a first-look deal. The Hollywood Reporter suggests that the Buffy reboot could potentially centre around a younger Slayer, implying that Sarah's Buffy Summers may not be the lead character in the show.
Sarah Michelle Gellar expressed her interest in revisiting Buffy the Vampire Slayer and has reportedly been in negotiations since (Image: Getty Images)
There are rumours that a writers room for the revival will be established shortly after the pilot order is fulfilled, signalling that Hulu and the studios have high hopes for the project and are extremely confident about it progressing to a series. While there's no official confirmation regarding the return of the original cast, it seems highly probable.
The much-anticipated revival is being hailed as the next instalment in the Buffyverse, with Sarah, Chloé, Nora, and Lilla at the helm as executive producers, alongside Gail Berman of the Jackal Group and Fran Kuzui and Kaz Kuzui of Suite B, who worked on the original series. Legendary singer-songwriter Dolly Parton is also set to executive produce, with her company Sandollar having been a producer on the original show, reports Surrey Live.
Notably, Joss Whedon, the creator of Buffy, who also penned the 1992 film that inspired the series, is reportedly not involved in the reboot. Following a string of misconduct allegations in 2021, Joss has not been actively working in Hollywood.
Original cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Image: Surrey Live)
If the Hulu pilot is commissioned into a series, it will be the third in the vampire franchise, which began with Buffy The Vampire Slayer, which aired for five seasons on the WB from 1997 to 2001, before moving to UPN for two more seasons, and spawned the spinoff Angel, which ran for five seasons on the WB from 1999 to 2004.
Interestingly, Dolly Parton hinted over a year ago that a revival of the beloved supernatural show was in the works, stating: "They're still working on that (Buffy The Vampire Slayer reboot). They're thinking about bringing it back and revamping it."
Meanwhile, Sarah Michelle Gellar, who had previously expressed reservations about revisiting the show that catapulted her to fame as recently as 2023, indicated in a December interview that she may be open to the idea after all.
Speaking while promoting her new series Original Sin, a prequel to Dexter, Sarah expressed her openness to revisiting her iconic role: "It's funny, I always used to say no, because it's in its bubble and it's so perfect, but watching Sex and the City and seeing Dexter, and realizing there are ways to do it, definitely does get your mind thinking, 'Well, maybe.'"
She also debunked the idea of a Buffy revival being limited to a prequel format, stating: "No, it could be anything. It's a universe. And it makes you realize that in this world, we need those heroes, I think, more so than ever."
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Original show creator Joss Whedon reportedly has no involvement with the reboot (Image: Getty Images)
These public comments have spurred conversations about her return, with sources claiming negotiations are nearing completion.
Fans were overjoyed at the prospect, with one declaring: "The original Buffy is one of my top five shows of all time and my biggest objection to any previous reboot was that my only real interest was if Sarah Michelle Gellar reprised her role. She is Buffy. Full stop."
Meanwhile, another fan eagerly anticipated a full-season renewal on Reddit: "Love it! Hopefully it gets a full season green light! " The anticipation for the Buffy revival is tangible, and the internet uproar reflects the enduring legacy of Sarah Michelle Gellar's performance, which previously garnered her a Golden Globe nomination.
Amid the buzz surrounding the potential reboot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, devoted followers are voicing their trepidation. One ardent fan shared online: "Buffy is my favourite show of all time and I'm super nervous for this. I do have faith in SMG (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and I know she would never return if they didn't do Buffy the character justice."
1998: A still from the iconic original show - Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Image: Getty Images)
They continued to discuss their apprehension due to past reboot experiences, stating, "Reboots have ruined a lot for me (Gilmore Girls, Veronica Mars). Not to mention that Angel and Spike have aged and it will be jarring to see them. I hope it's focused on Buffy and the scoobies mostly with Giles and Faith involved as well."
Meanwhile, another long-time viewer explained their stance against the idea, remarking: "I think the Buffy reboot is a bad idea but 20 years into the future is exactly when you should do a reboot."
English (US) ·